1977 - I Hold the Four Aces by James Hadley Chase Page A

touched it.
    Grenville had left her soon after 03.00, and she hated him going, but both had agreed he must return to his room for appearances’ sake.
    She ran her fingers through her silky hair.
    What a lover! The best ever!
    She arched her body, longing for him to be by her side, and longing for him to take her yet again.
    What a lover!
    For some minutes, she lay still and re-lived the events of the night. Perfect! And it must be repeated and repeated and repeated! This wonderful man must be her husband! She now couldn’t bear the thought of ever being parted from him. He had everything: looks, intelligence, talents, and was magnificent as a lover!
    Hooked! she told herself and laughed. Yes, and why not? He loved her as fiercely as she loved him.
    She knew it by the way he looked at her and had caressed her. Of course she must be careful. She mustn’t rush this. He was English, and there was this reserve about him. He was certain to have a stupid bias that as she was so rich, he shouldn’t marry her, but this, she felt sure, she could handle.
    But certainly not in the Carlton Hotel.
    She turned on her side as she thought, then suddenly, she smiled. Of course! The villa in Castagnola!
    The perfect love nest: away from the prying eyes of the press. Chris and herself. Nothing could be more perfect!
    Herman Rolfe had always liked to spend a month or so in Switzerland and had bought a villa, owned by a successful American movie producer, just outside Lugano, with a wonderful view of the lake. It was in this villa that Archer had unsuccessfully tried to blackmail her, but that was now in the past. It was the ideal place for a discreet love affair.
    Her mind became active. There were things to arrange. First, she would need someone discreet to run the villa. The local women would gossip. Then she smiled and hugged her pillow.
    Hinkle!
    That tubby, kindly man who had looked after Herman Rolfe for over fifteen years, and who had now transferred his loyalty to her, and who was almost like a father figure to her.
    Of course, Hinkle!
    She snatched up the telephone receiver and asked the concierge to find out details of a flight from Miami to Geneva, and another flight from Nice to Geneva.
    Then breaking the connection, she called Signor Transel who looked after the Castagnola villa. She told him to have the villa opened and cleaned, saying she would be arriving the day after tomorrow.
    Signor Transel said he would arrange it immediately.
    She then ordered coffee.
    The concierge called, giving her times of the two flights, and she told him to book a single from Miami and two from Nice.
    Her coffee arrived.
    She called the hotel operator and asked her to connect her with her residence in Paradise City. The operator said it would take only a few minutes.
    Helga drank her coffee, lit a cigarette and waited, thinking of Grenville.
    The telephone bell rang.
    “I have your residence on the line, madame,” the operator said.
    “Hinkle?” Helga said excitedly.
    “Yes, Madame. I trust you are well.”
    She stifled a giggle. This was so like Hinkle.
    “I’m marvellous! I have news!”
    “Indeed, madame?” His fruity, bishop’s voice came clearly to her. “It would seem it is good news.”
    “I am in love, Hinkle!”
    There was a pause, then Hinkle said, “That would appear to be excellent news, madame.”
    “I have found a man I want to marry!”
    Again a pause, then Hinkle said, “I trust this gentleman is worthy of you, madame.”
    She laughed.
    “Oh, Hinkle, don’t be so stuffy! He’s marvellous! Now listen. I have arranged to have the Castagnola villa opened. I want to stay there for a week or two, so I can get to know Mr. Grenville better, do you understand?”
    “Certainly, madame, and you would like me to be with you.”
    “Yes! Drop everything. I’ve booked you a flight.” Picking up the paper on which she had made notes, she read out to him the flight number and time of departure.
    “Certainly, madame. I will be